San Diego County Reports 16th COVID-19 Death and Issues Mask Order

San Diego County health officials say there were 117 new cases of coronavirus from Wednesday to Thursday and one additional death.

A 98-year-old woman died from COVID-19, bringing the total number of deaths to 16 in the county. The total number of positive cases of coronavirus in the county stood at 966 as of Thursday afternoon.

The county also has issued a new public health advisory starting midnight Friday night that any employee who interacts with the public at essential businesses includiung grocery stores, convenience stores, drug stores, pharmacies and gas stations must wear a face covering.

The county also is recommending that when you go out in public with people nearby that you should wear face covering.As Dr. Eric McDonald, the infection disease specialist with the County, put it, “When you leave your place, cover your face.”.

Also at the daily county briefing Thursday, Sheriff Bill Gore announced that his department will now be enforcing the local and state orders not to gather in groups of any side and following the social or physical distancing rules.

Sheriff Gore said. “The voluntary days of compliance are over”. Gore pointed out tha under the orders, citations for violating the order, penalties include possible fines of up to $1,000 dollars and up to 6 months in jail.